District Level Workshop on Open Network for Digital Cemmerce (ONDC) under Raising and Accelerating MSMEs Performance (RAMP) Programme

Namchi, March 15th (IPR): District Level Workshop on Open Network for Digital Cemmerce (ONDC) under Raising and Accelerating MSMEs Performance (RAMP) Programme was held at the conference hall of District Administrative Centre Namchi, today.
The workshop was organized by Namchi District Industries Centre under Commerce and Industries Department in collaboration with Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPPIT) Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
The aims and objectives of ONDC workshop was to democratize digital commerce by creating an open, interoperable, and decentralized network that enables businesses of all sizes to participate in the digital marketplace without being dependent on large e-commerce platforms. It also seeks to promote fair competition, enhance consumer choice, and support small and medium businesses, self-help groups (SHGs), and local entrepreneurs in expanding their digital footprint.
Ms Anjeeta Rai Zilla Adhakshya(Namchi) attended the event as the chief guest. Present amongst others were, Ms Trisang Tamang ADC Namchi, Mr LB Subba General Manager DIC Namchi, Dr Srijana Pradhan Deputy Director (Horticulture), Mr Tashi Dadul Bhutia AD DIC Namchi, Mr Yaikhomba Ningthemcha RK Founder and CEO ADDBLE as the resource person alongwith other officials and staff from DIC, and participants including Self Help Groups, Farmers Producer Organization and others individuals at large.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Anjeeta Rai expressed gratitude and appreciated the efforts made in organizing the workshop and raising awareness about the expanding e-commerce platform. She encouraged participants to actively engage with the workshop and make the most of the opportunities it offered.
Additionally, she informed them about the availability of subsidized loans provided by the government to support their livelihoods and sustainability. She urged them to take risks in order to establish successful ventures.
Furthermore, she emphasized the support extended under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang, particularly in empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women’s groups through various financial assistance schemes. She encouraged them to embrace entrepreneurship and work towards self-reliance.
Ms Trisang Tamang, ADC Namchi, expressed her appreciation to the department and participants for their active engagement in the workshop. She highlighted how the growing e-commerce sector is opening new avenues for sellers, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation for local businesses which is enabling to market their products without physical stores. Regarding the branding of organic products, she urged the concerned department to facilitate organic brand certification, and to assist sellers in expanding their reach outside the state.
Resource Person and CEO of ADDBLE, Mr. Yaikhomba, briefed the participants on the objectives of the ONDC workshop, highlighting its role in transforming digital commerce in India. He emphasized that ONDC supports small businesses by making the digital marketplace more open, accessible, and competitive.
He explained its operational framework, key benefits, and how businesses can utilize the network to expand their digital presence, enhance consumer choice, and prevent monopolization. Additionally, he provided insights into the registration process, payment systems, delivery mechanisms, and packaging support available through the ONDC initiative.
He also informed the participants that FPOs, SHGs, and other marginalized groups are not subjected to high commission charges on commerce. Lastly, he reminded them that obtaining a GST number is mandatory for selling products outside Sikkim.
Ms Ananta Subba, Inspector DIC Namchi, outlined the aims, objectives, and eligibility criteria of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which provides financial assistance through subsidized loans. She informed the participants that the scheme offers financial support of up to ₹50 lakh for manufacturing activities and ₹20 lakh for the service sector.
Additionally, she briefed them on the necessary procedures and documentation required to avail of the scheme.
An open discussion and interactive session was also conducted by the resource person, during which participants raised questions about the implementation and benefits of ONDC. The resource person addressed their queries, offering clarity on the onboarding process, logistics, and payment mechanisms.
During the event, the Welcome address was given by Mr LB Subba GM, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Mr Tashi Dadul Bhutia AD